sheepish knitting

tractors are cool

2008-06-08T16:03:00.008-05:00

i was in canada just a week or so ago to celebrate the recent nuptials of my sis and her canadian husband. a good time was had by all. but i, mostly likely had the best time. not only was everyone super nice but they even let me operate their fancy farm equipment. crazy. fun. that's me. right there in the cab of that fancy john deere. seriously.

also my sis, her hubbie, and friend humored me with a trip to the local yarn store. cute shop with all sort of goodies. i made purchases of the canadian yarn variety, my first koigu ever. the clerk was nice and when i apologized for the behavior of my non-knitting companions she laughed and said, "some people just don't get it." true true. but they got it enough to let me go. i did catch a bit of grief later, but it was totally worth it.

in further canadian news, i'll be headed to montreal later this month for work. so there is the possibility of even more canadian yarn shopping in my future. in fact, i should do some research.

i have some knitting to show, but i'll save that for another post. don't want to overdo it.

la la la loksins

2008-04-24T20:11:00.008-05:00

yay! finished socks. and i love love love them. great pattern, so well written. the only change i would potentially make is the heel. something a little better fitting for me. the yarn, louet gems, ended up growing on me. i'm curious to see how it washes and holds up.

in further knitting news, i have made a commitment to finish my current projects. pinky swear. i have 1 jaywalker and 1 hedgerow to complete before any more socks can start. and i have to finish my sweaters and kilim gloves before any other bigger projects commence. it really isn't that much. i don' t think so anyway. to be honest, i haven't actually done an inspection. but this is my promise, which based on past history is actually worth nothing.

boxy update: she's still in the same general area. she was in her same cave up until yesterday, but i think i am annoying her, so she moved. only about 2 feet away into another little cave. i am trying my hardest not to disturb her, but i want to make sure she's alright. big shout out to rb who sent me the link for figuring out her sex. i did not try. to me, she's a girl and that's that. i've never actually even touched her. boxy is cool.

teeny tiny sock

2008-04-12T02:20:00.005-05:00

i think the toe of this looks funny, and possibly a little short for the proportion, otherwise very cute even though it made me say a bunch of swear words because it was so fiddly.

it was a gift for a bridal shower at work where all we were to bring was advice. my advice was to take up sock knitting. good advice, if i do say so myself. if i had time i might have tried for a better toe.

i think woody would probably appreciate a pair for himself.

turtle time

2008-04-08T20:07:00.004-05:00

this cutest turtle has taken up residence in the corner of our backyard. today is day 6. i've named him boxy and i want him (or her) to stay forever. today (s)he was parked face in and all that was sticking out was her or his tail. cynthia suggests i knit a turtle cozy.

i had a dream

2008-03-31T19:10:00.002-05:00

last night. i dreamed that i knit michael stipe a pair of socks. i woke up this morning wondering what his favorite color is and what size his feet are. i have a problem. but i am excited about accelerate. release tomorrow!!!

napa and san fran were glorious. weather was great, wine was tasty and plentiful and there was the perfect mix of relaxation and activities. even some knitting was done. some lonely items even have mates. and in touristy news, we rode a tandem across the golden gate. that was crazy.

terrific way to kick off the next 10 years.

big shout out to my sis and her sweetie who are tying the knot sometime today.

one of everything

2008-03-21T17:02:00.003-05:00

2.75 socks and 1 fetching. we are leaving at the crack of ding dong tomorrow for napa, so i'll have plenty of air and airport time to finish all these lonely onesies. the fetching is first on my plate because i think i can get a little wear out of them when we arrive, depending on the weather. more likely in san fran rather than napa.

so cheers to us for 10 whole years!

the original schmoo

2008-03-03T09:00:00.001-05:00

goodbye, moe.

maybe knitting would help

2008-02-26T18:09:00.019-05:00

there has been some knitting, maybe a little slow and steady, but better than no knitting. and never fear, there has also been a little stash enhancement. i have added 2 lovely skeins of vesper sock yarn to the ever growing yarn collection. and 2 skeins of the elusive sundara sock yarn, thanks to cynthia's diligence. here's my one, lonely hedgerow/project spectrum item. i'm feeling a little bit panicked about project spectrum. i have finished one sock. with any luck i might be able to pull off an entire pair, but i had such bigger plans that that. so at the very least, i figure i can show some stash and other fire type pictures.

many of the yarns have projects set aside for them. it's just all sorts of things keep getting in the way. you know, like working, and riding my horse, dh and friends, life and just plain old laziness. my thought here is just to believe that's okay and not make a bigger deal out of it than it is. noone is going to think less of me, right? but it does bug me.

in just a few minutes i am going to start some mitts and a hat! because who needs a second sock!

the cruelest month

2008-02-25T19:39:00.005-05:00

as far as i am concerned, it's february. i have a long and bad history with february, and it doesn't show any signs of ending.

lynne burgess
may 11, 1960-february 20, 2008

missing you.

it's a good thing

2008-02-17T20:11:00.008-05:00

that noone really expects a post from me but every now and again.

first, a knitting related injury. on friday i was sitting on the sofa knitting, or possibly ripping, and i tucked my bare foot under me as i like to do. and ouch! an extra pointy us size 0 stuck right in the top of my foot. this picture was taken 2 days later, and while it may not look impressive, i can assure you--it still hurts. upon review, i notice that this picture is really yucky. i think my feet don't look quite that veiny in real life.

in other knitting related news, i have been trying to get some projects going. i have one nearly finished hedgerow in smooshy, lava lipstick on the needles. i made a quick misti alpaca ruffle scarf and i started loksins twice, only to finally admit i should just use smaller needles. so i may restart loksins tonight, or maybe just regroup and start a different sock. i also started and ripped a retro rib in tofutsies. the yarn was so weird, every so often there was a shredded place and i had to keep cutting it. finally i just gave up. all of these have been in project spectrum grouping of fire. i'm not so good at the group things, but so far, i think this is working for me, even if half of the stuff got ripped.

i made a new friend at work (hi cynthia!) which was completely unexpected and totally exciting. why?? because she knits. i noticed she was sporting some lovely hand knit socks on her first day and the rest is history. we've had a knitting date or 2 and i'm sure there will be more. and, my longtime pal amy has decided she needs to knit. she picked up this quirky bunny kit at target and i helped her just a teeny bit and she was off! i expect to see a bunny soon. and she stopped by the lys and purchased yarn. she's well on her way...

so that's all i got for right now. maybe next time i'll show off some of my project spectrum stash. and, is it just me, or does ravelry gobble up sooooooooooooo much time???

resolutions: phase one

2008-01-13T12:20:00.000-05:00

wait, it's the second week of january, shouldn't this resolution stuff be over by now? au contraire...i'm just getting warmed up.

phase one for me is strictly based on ufos. when my sis was here over the holidays, she helped me prioritize all that was unfinished and she ranked them in finishing importance. i have no idea how she came up with her order, but it's probably what i would have put them in myself.

first on the list was chevron scarf. check! it's about a mile long but its complete, even blocked and ends woven in. next was the frogging and finishing of my bamboo embossed leaves 2nd sock. done! third is the lonely 2nd roza. she's well underway, possibly to the heel by end of today. roza will be followed by the (very) long languishing must have cardi. seriously, it's all finishing work. i just need to bite the bullet and do it. all this i plan to have done in january.

now things get a little stickier. i am classifying my next 2 projects as wips, rather than ufos. it's a fine line, but i think it will work in this situation. the kristin nicholas gloves are practically a brand new project, colorwork and all...so they are just taking a break while i finish these other things. they are small, but a little complicated for me so i plan to pick them up here and there. when i do work on them, i usually get a good section done, so they should be finished while it's still cool enough to wear them. ofcourse this depends also on how they turn out.

the other wip is bianca's jacket. it's probably about halfway done. i need to really sit down and look at it. but i think it would be fair for it to wait until closer to spring if i swear swear swear on a stack of gorgeous sock yarn to finish it so it can be worn. i think it's a really cute sweater and atleast looks like it's coming out similiar to the picture.

so, as i see it, it's a wide open field come february. i have joined project spectrum or the forum up on ravelry (i guess that's the same thing?!), so i am very excited about that. this is the 3rd year for this awesome idea, and it keeps getting more interesting. thanks, lolly! another resolution was to join some things, so look at me! january 13th and i am practically some sort of born again knitter. now if i could only become more diligent about posting...

sheepish new year

2007-12-31T22:16:00.000-05:00

it's hard to believe 2007 is over in just a few hours. i am always filled with anticipation each new year. i am a sucker for all the resolution making and the concept of starting over. this year is no exception. more on that later.

so to wrap up the new year, i have finally finished something-- my chevron scarf. and it's long, maybe 8 or 9 feet. i guess i got a little carried away. i wanted to use up 2 entire skeins of str and i came pretty close. finally i just had to call it quits though, it was making me crazy.

it was a very sheepish christmas here. my (two) readers may have noticed that i have my own domain now. mr. sheepish gifted it to me. how sweet was that? currently my blogger site is just being forwarded, but one day maybe i'll figure out how to do it another way.

other sheepish items included these funny slippers from my folks, as modeled by me and my sis. sock blockers that i gave myself because i was such a good little sock knitter this year. here they are featuring a lonely roza. my mom couldn't decide if it fit her, so i guess they'll be mine when they are done. and last, but not least, a bit of stash enhancement. because you always need to make sure you have enough yarn.

here's wishing you a very sheepish 2008!

my december post

2007-12-09T15:53:00.000-05:00

maybe not. but let's be honest...it probably is. it's been 30ish days since my last post, but there has been knitting. and much talk of knitting, and much planning of knitting, even stash enhancement...so it's been a good month. just not for the blog.

i have full blown sss with roza. i loved the pattern and the experience of using 2 circs, but numero uno came out a little snug. it fits, just a little more tightly than some of my other socks. i might have to gifty them to my mom because she's about the only person i know who has narrow feet. plus i think she would like them. anyway, i'll start the second one, but maybe not right away.

i started my kilim gloves and have only gotten this far. colorwork is scary. but i want to get good at it so i can make these and then maybe something crazy like what's finishing up over here.

i'm working on my chevron scarf. it's great mindless knitting and it's growing. i am ready to be done with it so i can start some more new stuff. i want to make something in malabrigio, but i haven't found the perfect sweater. and i am trying to trick myself in finishing my must have cardi so i can start something else fun and cable-y.

in unrelated, yet related, knitting news, it's been really lovely here. almost too warm to knit. we had some cold days that had me all inspired, but they were fleeting. i don't have any christmas knitting gifts planned, so i don't feel that sort of pressure. but i haven't really done much shopping either, so the clock is ticking.

big moe continues to hang in there. he spends his days and nights lounging around. it's hard to tell how good or bad he feels since that's pretty much what he's done for years. he's very perky and happy when i come and give him scratches and anytime a meal is served. so we're just thankful every day we have him. he's such a good kitty.

sad/happy

2007-11-07T20:00:00.000-05:00

which just figures, because the time just changed...and that's how i always feel. sad because the days are so short, and even here in the south, cold. and happy, because it's a relief from the heat...and also since it means spring is coming.

sad, dentist appointment yesterday where i was supposed to get a crown. happy, no crown needed! and the added bonus of a few free hours with no obligations. i was giddy!

but what does that have to do with knitting. well, i'm sort of at a sad/happy place with that too. the socks i've been working on for awhile, i found a big fat mistake way back. one i don't think i can live with...that equals sad. but happy because, all of a sudden, i feel inspired. i want to make things again. i've been in a total slump, but yesterday while not getting a crown, i made a visit to the kooky lys here. and it was great. i found yarn, i learned how to knit socks on 2 circs, i got the new ik (only so-so). still a red letter day as far as i was concerned.

so, now the big question is, do i just put my sad socks aside and start some happy ones on my new teeny circs? that's what i think. and my new project? well i am all geared up to get that going. it's going to be the colorful kristin nicholas gloves from the winter ik. practically the only think i liked in the enitire mag. and who knows what else will happen...maybe i'll finish some things.

i could give you some more sad/happy, but i think you get the picture. oh, and pics tomorrow. stash, messed up sock, scarf progress and maybe even a schmitty shot.

a new podcast

2007-10-16T07:25:00.000-05:00

coming soon !i already have a ton on my ipod, but they are great for walking and commuting. oh and knitting.

enjoy!

blogging is fundamental

2007-10-15T17:29:00.000-05:00

if you have a blog. and want readers. and like to keep a record of things. good to know.

so to recap, it's been a long time since my last post and many things have happened. i have been to ohio and enjoyed all sorts of horsey activities with friends. my sis and her beau came to visit and we all went to the state fair. mr. sheepish has been traveling all over the place. we've had many more vets trips than i would like, but moe continues to hang in there. summer has been lingering, but fall feels like it might be around the corner. and our shower...well, it's still not finished. i thought maybe we could use it before the end of october, but i think it's going to be thanksgiving.

knitting has happened a little, but not too much. the chevron scarf that i started at the beach is maybe 20 more rows along, although i plan to go work on it the minute i post this. i didn't finish my embossed leaves sock, but i did leave off at the heel. maybe i'll work on that too. i didn't sew up anything that needed it, but i also didn't start anything new. and sadly, i didn't enter anything in the state fair. it was on my new year's resolution list (that i never posted here) and i feel a little disappointed i wasn't able to meet that goal. i really haven't been as organized this year as i usually am.

my sis did bring me some lovely yarn from maine. it's schaefer and the color is jane addams. i have to study up and decide what i might possibly make with something so lovely. it's very squishy and the colors are yummy. it's really the greatest thing to get yarny goodness from a non-knitter. you know they really had to stretch.

so that's all for now. maybe i can post a picture of the yarn soon, but that seems like i might be making a promise i can't keep.

beach blogging

2007-09-06T12:14:00.000-05:00

so here we are nearing the end of our beach trip...we've had much fun, even if it included losing at putt putt and having to kiss a grody pirate. many adult beverages have been consumed, as well as cupcakes, brownies, tater chips and other classy beach fare. this is a view from our porch on the first day. we went for an early morning walk and he was there just feet from our house. we named him passed out guy (pog) and he stayed there for several more hours. people walked around him on their way to the beach while we just gawked from the porch. we knew he was alive because he kept moving around.

there has been knitting. the 2nd sock is coming along, and i started a chevron scarf. the scarf is probably going to take the rest of forever. it's been a long time since i knitted with bamboo needles, and they sure are slow and sticky. i just happened to have them in the right size but when i get home, i might try and get some different ones. i don't know if that would cause any gauge problems but i could always start over. i guess.

i had brought my tofutsies (with crab and shrimp shells) and a free pattern off the swtc website for tidal wave socks. it was to be my themed beach knitting, but i just haven't gotten around to them. there's still a little time to get these started since i have a crop of sun poisoning on my hands and arms...but i really want to finish my other socks. decisions, decisions. i am getting psyched for some fall knitting.

determined

2007-08-25T16:32:00.000-05:00

and i mean it when i say this. i plan to update regularly. i swear. seriously. really and truly. like any good blogger would. if i am knitting, i should be blogging. how else will i be able to prove how i spend my time? clearly it's just a fraction of my time or i wouldn't have so many ufo's hanging around.

in my blogging absence i have managed to complete 2 more socks. so i am only lacking 1 to have 2 complete pairs, and to avoid 2nd pair sss, it's already been cast on. i like the monkeys with the picot edge, but i like the embossed leaves too. i already have much more new and old sock yarn in the wings...only i haven't committed to any other patterns. i do want to make some knee socks, so that's a possibility.

in long ongoing finishing news, i have this big pile of yarn barf that is supposed to be a kid's jacket. this belongs to my knitting schmoo sonya. somehow i got tricked into bringing it home and am supposed to finish it. it shouldn't be hard, i just keep ignoring it. everytime i look at those giant glittery circular needles i have to laugh. they're as big as turkey basters. it was a relatively quick knit for her, but it's taken forever for the 2 of us to finish. the intended recipient is surely too big now.

and i am also ignoring this. my plan is to enter it in the state fair, and the deadline is 9/17. that way, it has to get finished, right? i really like how it came out, but i think it looks short (and i'm short) and over time, the color has grown on me less. it's sort of terra cotta orange. anyway, we'll see if it makes it to the fair.

my bianca's jacket is a little further along than this. this shows the back and 2 sleeves on one needle, waiting for the fronts to be added. then you work back and forth on the yoke. the right front is nearly done and hasn't taken any time at all. i am keeping my fingers crossed that it isn't too difficult to finish because it's cute and i really don't want it to linger for a year or so...like (many) other things.

there isn't much in the way of news to report. august has been brutal here in the south. i haven't been able to ride my horse much because of the heat. and it's just no fun to walk or ride bikes. i've been spending alot of time inside eating brownies. bad. bad. bad. we're headed to the beach for a week over labor day. i hope to do some knitting there. my sis and her beau will be with us, as well as dear old friends. promises to be a big time and i have been counting the days.

in my next post, which might even be tomorrow (crazy, i know), i want to write a little bit about some projects i have seen that i am interested in. i've been spending some time on ravelry just looking around, drooling. man, there really are some amazing knitters doing some amazing things. i haven't even managed to post anything...it's on my list.

dinner with friends tonight, early ride in the am, then knit and chores and possibly post. then the saddest part of the weekend. the end.

long lost me

2007-07-11T20:58:00.000-05:00

so...long time, no blogging. i won't bore you with any excuses...but here i am.

there has been knitting. it may not look like much, but it's better than no knitting at all. right?? and i am feeling major inspiration coming on. check out this bianca's jacket. why wouldn't i want to finish mine??
only sock yarn has been added to the stash, so that barely even counts. the pink yarn is tofutsies. i am curious to knit with this as it looks so thin. the other is sockatta. and mainly i just liked the colors. seems like all i can completely commit to is socks anyway.

and an enormously cool thing that finally happened was i got my invitiation to ravelry. maybe that's helping me get back into the knitting swing of things. you just can't believe all the projects and yarn and ravellers. i spend so much time surfing around and drooling i have barely gotten my profile filled out. it's an amazing amount of information all in one place.

in case you hadn't heard, it's been hot as hell in north carolina and i've been hanging out inside. usually the heat doesn't bother me, but i managed to get poison ivy and it's much happier in the a/c. it's slowly getting better, but there were a few days where it was looking very ick.

still some more traveling left to do this summer--trip to charleston in a couple of weeks...beach for a week over labor day...new albany classic late in september. and plenty of time in between to knit knit knit!

i heart long weekends

2007-05-24T16:20:00.000-05:00

i am practically giddy with excitement for the long weekend. we are going to tampa for a friend's wedding. which is fun in itself...but we're staying on the beach. and we come back early on monday, so we'll still have time to do some regular weekend things. and then, even better, a short week. woo hoo!

i have been knitting a little. i am liking bianca's jacket a little more. i am to the decreases for the second sleeve. i think next i'll start the back, then work my way to the two fronts. but that's next week's knitting.

for this week's excitement i purchased some new sock yarn. the more solid purple is panda wool by crystal palace yarns and is a bamboo, wool and nylon blend. it is soft and i really like the subtle lighter and darker purples, as well as the greens. it's called violets and i can't wait to try it. the other is shepherd sock in colorway 205-irving park. i have knit with shepherd sock before and have to admit, it's one of my favorites, so i am looking forward to it as well.i have a little bit of airport and plane time which is usually pretty good for my sock knitting. we'll see what happens! two patterns i am really liking lately are monkey of knitty fame and the embossed leaves from the interweave favorite socks book. not sure if these yarns and these patterns like each other, but maybe.

june is shaping up to be a fun month with a good bit of travel. maybe that's going to help my knitting, but doubtfully my blogging. unless i start doing it at work. (just kidding, work people). sort of. actually i am positive no work people even know this blog exists because i have never mentioned it. and i have a pretty limited readership. plus i keep this very very tame. oh my god. this blog might be boring. i'll ponder that over my weekend while i am sitting on the beach watching the sun move. and don't worry i am wearing sunscreen.

what not to knit

2007-05-14T17:42:00.000-05:00

i'm beginning to feel like my entire knit wardrobe could star in an episode of what not to knit. and i am getting the distinct impression bianca's jacket might be the next fashion victim. and yet i plod on. i have completed 1 repeat on the 2nd sleeve after ripping twice. i also noticed that instead of just k2tog i am supposed to be ssk in some of the rows. but i didn't do it on the first sleeve so i'm not doing it now. i don't think anyone will ever notice. i'm not even sure i can.

i added to my knitting book stash this weekend and am pleased with all my purchases. i got the new yarn harlot book, which is as cute and funny as all the others. also the interweave sock book. nice to have these patterns all in one place. and then the summer interweave. i haven't studied it too closely yet, so i can't say for sure what i would and wouldn't make. and chances are i'll never get to knitting anything that current anyway. unless it's the socks.

monday moe.

holy crap!

2007-05-09T07:25:00.000-05:00

it's been more than a month and i haven't written a post. how could that be? i've been thinking about posting, even knitting a little, but it seriously doesn't seem like an entire month has gone by. to distract you from my lack of posting, here's a swatch. i've never actually knit a real swatch, all nice and purty like this. i even blocked it. i'm just like a proud momma.
naturally work is taking up some time...and spending time at the barn with gracie...we've had some company...and done some springtime chores. could that possibly have used up an entire month?

one thing that did keep me very busy and worried for awhile was our most bestest kitty big moe. he has been diabetic for 4+ years, and in january was diagnosed with an inoperable fibrosarcoma...that's cancer. as any good mom would, i keep a very close eye on the big guy. several weeks ago he was acting sort of funny, so off we went to the vet. after an exam and a blood test and a looooong weekend, moe's vet let us know that he had become un-diabetic. i cannot tell you how crazy that is. it was really really hard to not insulate him (aren't i hi-larious) that first time. the first week we were at the vet every day at the same time just to make certain his glucose was stable. now that that has been established, we have glucose strips that he pees on once or so a week. one day i'll explain how that little science project works...anyway, the news is all good for now. and the un-diabetic-ness has a great name-he's on a honeymoon. i hope it lasts forever.

and there's more...actual knitting content! first off, i bought 2 sets of points and cables of the knit picks options. i had been so curious to try them since bob had recommended them and i see them all over the internet. i thought i could use them to finish my must have cardi neck and button band...and in the meantime i finished the collar on my ribby using the shorter cable. i have to say...me likey. the pointy-ness is what i really like.

and here's the only piece of bianca's jacket i've completed so far...a sleeve. but i plan to get busy on this immediately. the sleeve is pictured with peepers. as you can see, she is an enormous knitting help. i had to stop her before she ate the yarn. i guess if you eat needles, it only makes sense to eat yarn too.

and these are some socks i just whipped up out of jitterbug. great yarn, quick knit...i made them as anklets, because they already have a recipient and a pair of shoes in mind. more on that later. i will confess i tried to make these toe-up, but ultimately i wasn't sure if i knew what i was doing, and i didn't want them to turn out all wonky.

i'm hoping my blogging/knitting slump is over. i have tons of str to keep me interested. and i think i am ready to try socks with circs or from the toe up. and if i could pick up the pace a little, i would totally start another cardigan of some sort. and i would also procure an entire set of options. and some more yarn. and some new books. and...

spring has sprung

2007-04-05T16:11:00.000-05:00

and my poor little blog is just wasting away. it's sad. i'm having a little bit of a time juggling everything. and the longer (warmer) days are luring me away. i loiter extra at the barn, dawdle around the yard and dine at restaurants with outdoor seating. i love this time of year. fortunately for me, i don't really have any problems with the pollen we experience here in nc this time of year. and trust me, it is an experience.

there has been knitting. i finished my one jay trekker sock and started the mate, it's moving along slowly but nicely. and i am working on the first sleeve of bianca's jacket. i didn't speed knit through the entire project, i started with the first sleeve. and i'm liking it. i knit a real swatch for this project which nearly never happens. even the one i did for ribby was very half-assed. but this one is lovely and blocked and says i knit exactly to gauge. if that turns out to be the case i might block this a tad larger than the size i am making. it should fit...but the sizes had crazy jumps between them. i am making 38 and i think the next size was something like 46. maybe not, but that's how i am remembering it. so if i decide i want it a tad relaxed i am just going to block the snot out of it. if that's even possible with silk.

work is going fine. i am getting it, i think. they are super serious about the 90 day review, so who knows...i may be back on the streets in may. but i hope not. i am mostly used to the commute except on fridays. it takes me over an hour when on every other day i can make it in 30 minutes. and the people that are racing down i-40 on fridays are pretty much all insane. except me.

i plan to knit and chill this weekend, so hold on to your easter bonnets, there maybe an extra post. with pictures even. can you stand it?

i lied

2007-03-16T16:39:00.000-05:00

so sue me. but here are the pics i promised for last saturday, plus a few extra for good measure. i have done no knitting at all since the sock was photographed, so i can't report it finished. i am going on a business trip this week, so i am counting on some airport time to make things happen.
here is the progress shot of what i like to call jay trekking. i am ashamed to say i am still on the first sock and it is taking me forever. is it a slump? is it spring? is it this whole job thing? don't know, but i am going to finish it sometime soon. i hope. because look at all this socky goodness just begging me to hurry up.

i have all this yummy socks that rock...and yet another trekking...

and this is the muench sir galli that i got on sale and plan to make bianca's jacket from ik-fall '06. i am surprised i like it so much. it's 100% silk and sort of a marled khaki color. i think it's going to be really cute. i want to get started asap. maybe i can squeeze in a swatch on my trip while working on my sock. we'll see.

more soon. i promise. although you know i can't be trusted.

meanwhile...back at the ranch

2007-03-09T20:34:00.000-05:00

so, it's been three whole weeks. and let me just say...they've been busy ones. i completely underestimated the amount of time i was going to spend just getting dressed for work, not to mention being there and coming home. but, it's all getting easier and i'm getting more organized, so hopefully you'll hear from me much more often.

knitting hasn't disappeared entirely. i am almost finished the world's slowest jaywalker. but only the first half of it. i love the pattern, i had forgotten how much fun it was. and the yarn is turning out to be something i really like too. i wasn't so sure at first...but in good light the colors are really appealing. in dim bedroom light, i get a '70's vibe i am not entirely comfortable with. too much like my childhood. curtains my mother swore she would dress us in later (picture gone with the wind or sound of music circa 1976)

i also have done some stash enhancement. i have a bunch of socks that rock to show off...as well as some on sale yarn that is yet to come. a little worried about this purchase. it's for this cardi and it's the actual yarn called for. it's being discontinued and i got enough for an entire sweater for $36 + shipping. and it's silk. i've never touched it nor seen the color, that's my worry..

and the new knitty is up. i have barely had time to really study it or read the articles. but i have to confess, i love tahoe. honestly. i love it and will spend whatever free time i have this weekend trying to find yarn to make it. also, now that cara has embarked on the katherine hepburn cardi, i am thinking i love it too. i'm not a stalker, i'm just not very original and cables are my favorite. learning to cable without a needle was on my (nonexistent) new year's resolution list. i could probably finish it in time to wear, oh, roughly 3 springs from now.

i missed blogging. and i promise to be more together. i am going to post pics tomorrow of my sock. it has an extra stitch in it and i have decided to put it aside for a minute and start some cute springy short socks to go with my chucks. surely one stitch doesn't make a huge difference. i don't know where it came from. can't i just knit it together and never look back? i am sooooooo undecisive. and worried. and a direction follower, to the tee. they probably make medication for that. anyway, enough rambling and pics tomorrow. i swear.

my hat's off to all you who work, knit and do so much more. it's truly amazing.

hi-ho, hi-ho

2007-02-19T06:29:00.000-05:00

so this is it. today is the first day of the rest of my life. not really. today is the first day back in an office. it's been awhile, so i am more than a little nervous. i don't have an outfit picked out and that is stressing me. also, i don't know where to park, but i can get that ironed out when i get there, i suppose. today will more than likely be filled with paperwork and meeting tons of people i won't remember. atleast it's a holiday for some folks, so i am hoping the commute is not so bad. normally i would be leaving a little earlier to avoid it.

my knitting schmoo came to visit this weekend. it was a very low key weekend as she had a touch of something when she got here. she was never able to tell if it was food poisoning or some virus, but much time was spent in the bathroom. by sunday she felt more like herself and was able be vertical and have some interest in food. poor schmoo. we did get her hubby's vd scarf finished and blocked. and we here at chez sheepish feel fine. for now.

in knitting news, i finally sewed on that silly sleeve for my ribby. i tried it on, and it's little, but not too small. i would definitely go up a size or 2 if i made it again for a roomier fit. i had 3 balls left over for the third size?...and the measurements matched a roomier cardi that i have. who knows?...one day i'll make something perfect that i just love love love. in the meantime this will work. it is probably the nicest looking garment i've ever made. i'll work on the collar then take it to a tailor for the zipper this weekend. and mark it off my list with great flourish.

my jaywalker is moving on. i worked on it a bit this weekend, but not as much as i should have. it is to the heel flap. i'm liking the stipes and the colors after all. all i needed was some better lighting.

time to go get ready for my big day.

cara's contest

2007-02-14T23:07:00.000-05:00

below is a comment i left at cara's blog (edited just slightly) for her vd contest.

sweetest gift ever...several years ago my husband was laid off from a technology job...remember those days? anyway he found himself with a little more time on his hands than he was used to and decided he would make my vd gift. this in itself was a crazy idea, he's just not the crafty type. anyway, he took polaroids of our big kitty, moe, and took them to one of those pottery places where you paint the items and they fire them. he painted a big piggy bank exactly like moe. all this was in secret. when he gave it to me i was speechless and so teary. the likeness is really amazing (or maybe just to me). still makes me smile when i think of him in that pottery studio. what a cutie!

happy valentine's day to all and to all a good night!

making things happen

2007-02-12T07:38:00.000-05:00

so i got a job. it's seriously going to cut into my knitting and riding time, but it was unavoidable. especially since i went back to school and all. anyway, i'm mostly excited because i think it's a cool job in an academic setting, and that's important to me. the downside is it's a yuck commute, but that's being solved with some flexibility in hours and 3 weeks vacation from the start. i just have to get my head around being employed. and the kitties are really going to miss me. or so i like to think.

i'm headed back to my lys for a second finishing class. i didn't show the progress from last time, but we got my ribby straight, all it lacks is a collar which will be finished this shortly. what we are focusing on this week is my must have cardigan. i still lack a big project on the needles. maybe i'll ponder that whilst sitting amongst all the yarny goodness.
i did buy some sock yarn last week. the greenish is colinette jitterbug in the toscana colorway. i just love the colors. i am going to try a pair of toe up socks with this because it's a little skimpy in yardage and i want to use as much as possible. the other is trekking xxl and i don't know the colorway. it's much more brown that i anticipated, not sure how i like the colors, but i'm working on a jaywalker. i am worried that gauge is already a problem. gauge is starting to take all the fun out of my sock making of late. i'm going to keep going because i am such a daredevil. not really...i spotted a knot in the skein and my plan is to knit to that, then swatch, then rip (or not).

don't laugh, but i'm practicing getting up early, because i'm not what most people would consider a morning person. i'll need to get up at 6am for work, so that's what time i got up today. ofcourse i am still in my robe and have been emailing, reading blogs, downloading music and drinking coffee. not exactly work, but it's a start. i estimate i'll need to be on the road by 6:45 to be at the office by 7:30. it's doable. and we have a new coffee pot to make sure that's the case.

so, i'm off to make things happen.

blah blah blah

2007-02-07T15:36:00.000-05:00

that's right. i've got the knitting blahs. the only thing i have on the needles right now is a towel from mason & dixon, and i'm not loving it. i am trying to love it, but it's hard. i know the linen will be dreamy, once washed, but it's more than a little tough on my old tired hands. and i have been completely ignoring those items that need to be finished. shame on me...but i just can't face them for some reason.

in the meantime, i've been searching high and low for my next project. here are some possibilities, all from interweave knits:

bianca's jacket (fall '06)
pullover flair (spring '06)-you have to scroll way down
pashmina shrug (spring '03)

i don't really have any sock yarn in the stash that's speaking to me right now either, so i don't even have any socks on the needles. i need to place an order but i'm not sure for what. my gut tells me the lightest weight str is the thing to get. then i need to decide if i want knee socks or regular. i've been wanting knee socks forever, but spring is just around the corner...maybe lace socks are more in order. i just don't know.

argh!

(silent) poetry reading

2007-02-02T12:24:00.000-05:00

Fog

The fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then, moves on.

Carl Sandburg

for more info about the silent poetry reading go here.

age of aquarius

2007-02-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

it's my sister's birthday!
and here are her goodies.
cheers to the birthday girl!

finishing class

2007-01-31T16:43:00.000-05:00

i have to say, it was great. the instructor (fran) was super knowledgeable and helpful and the 2 other women that were there were cool and funny and nice. just like you would expect knitters to be.

fran helped me solve my ugly thumb problem on my sis's bday mittens and they are ready to go. picture to follow after they are gifted. also, we got the one sleeve sewn on my ribby and i am starting on the second one. never made it to the must have cardi. but never fear, i signed up for another session. it was just so cool to see how someone else does things. i haven't had that experience since i learned to knit way back in college. and it was fun to chat. chatting is pretty much my thing.

they're calling for some oogy weather tomorrow. if it happens, i'll stay in and work on finishing, maybe start something new (a cardi version of this if i have the right yarn), and listen to some cast on. doesn't that sound great?

lys

2007-01-29T14:37:00.000-05:00

tonight i am taking a finishing class at my lys. when i first moved back to the area, i frequented the shop a little more often, but the people were sort of rude and the shop is really teeny and i would get to feeling a little crowded. over the years they have changed ownership two more times, i think. the first change was even less to my liking. i don't know a thing about who owns it currently, but the atmosphere seems better. the past few times i have stopped by, when i am out to lunch at the whole foods next door or just in the area, the people have been super nice and helpful. what a change! they still don't carry nearly enough sock yarn for my taste and their needle selection is woefully small...but when i need to fondle some yarn or make an impulse buy, this is the place i usually go.
i am taking 3 projects with me tonight. i hope it isn't too many, but that's where i need my help. one is really small, it's just picking up the stitches on my sis's bday mittens. i've had one failed attempt and i'm thinking i just need someone to show me. i don't even think they really count since it's such a little thing. the other 2 are projects are bigger. ribby fronts and backs are sewn together, but the sleeves have caused me a little bit of trouble. i need to go pick one out right now so i can start from scratch. and then the other is my must have. i haven't even tried putting it together. it's blocked and waiting. i have never had anyone show or help me before, so i think it's time to really learn to finish. i'm psyched. hope i'll feel the same way tomorrow. i have a habit of setting my expectations a little too high.

i'm thinking about posting my last few skeins of socks that rock on ebay tonight. i have made 2 pairs of socks, am sending 2 skeins to friends, and that leaves 3 of the medium weight still here. i am going to replace them with 3 light weight skeins as soon as i sell them. as i mentioned before, the socks came out just fine, only a little too thick for my shoes. damn that stupid gauge. i also have a skein of euroflax linen and a skein of lornas i am thinking about putting up there. then i can buy more, guilt-free.

so off to un-sew a sleeve and get ready for class. yay!

hb

2007-01-26T11:40:00.000-05:00

what good is a blog if you can't embarass people??
this is dave. it's his birthday.

stupid, stupid me

2007-01-26T09:30:00.000-05:00

i should have never said anything about the first heel until the second one was done. because of this lapse in my judgement, i was struck down by the knitting goddesses. not only did the first attempt of the heel not work out...neither did the fourth. but finally i prevailed and bossed that thang around. i don't exactly know what i was doing wrong, but i can say that the first part of the heel, the wrapping part, went very smoothly. each time. but the untwisting and shuffling stitches around caused a problem multiple times. i am still happy about short rowing, just much more humble. i think with (much) practice this could become my heel of choice. it's neater than my picked up stitches, and only in 2 places did i have some holes. they weren't even big enough to mess with.

i have completed one birthday mitten as of yesterday. i won't post a pic because my sis may see it. which in itself wouldn't be such a big deal except she requested them, so the way they look is the only surprise she gets. i wasn't a bit happy with how the thumb came out on this mitten. i worked it several times. a theme here lately. it's good enough but i am going to see if the second one can be better. at this point i am keeping my fingers crossed it isn't worse. hah.

yesterday i did something crazy. i listened to my first podcast. i don't live under a rock...and i've had an ipod for years...i even knew i could listen right on my computer. i was just being resistent. why?? it's a quirk of my personality, you might say. at any rate, i listened to cast on. i downloaded all 40+ episodes from itunes and started at the beginning. i love them. i love her. i love podcasts. amazing. i am just kicking myself for this. it's going to take me a bit to get caught up, and then i'll be checking out what else i've been missing.

beginner's luck

2007-01-23T10:24:00.000-05:00

plus a great short-row tutorial. thanks alison! and here's what i've got so far. i had no idea you didn't have to pick up stitches on a short row heel. the picking up is where i always stall out, so this was a treat. the first heel i started and finished late at night, and i almost had to wake up mr. sheepish because i was so excited when i was finished. i couldn't quit giggling. and i'm not even positive this is how it's supposed to look...it was just so cool. i chickened out when it came to the toes and did my regular old faithfuls. maybe next time. i didn't want my brain to implode from all the thinking.

another cool thing is that my camera broke. ok that's not really a cool thing. but the fact that i found the replacement door on ebay for $10.95 plus $1 shipping when canon wanted to charge me $130 is pretty cool. it came yesterday and dh had it installed in no time. works like a charm and with all that money we saved, more yarn for me.

i'm going to finish my second heel today. i have my fingers crossed it will come out the same as the first one (or better) and that i will still be all giggly. i see a couple of places where the stitches look a little wonky, so maybe i can figure out how to neaten those up.

still waiting

2007-01-19T16:38:00.000-05:00

so the middle of january has already passed and still no resolutions. i'm getting to them. i've just been so taken with knitting lately, i don't want to sit down and perfect my list.

first up, my mental breakdown socks are complete. i couldn't have done it without cara. she made me believe i could figure out the math and the gauge and all that. and i did and it worked. my only complaint would be that these are a little thick to wear with my regular danskos, but they fit fine with my birks and my paddock boots. and they'll be super toasty at the barn. next time i know to get the light weight socks that rock. and there will be a next time.

in fact, their thickness did not stop me from immediately casting on a second pair. this is in the str colorway rocktober. i love these colors. love. the pattern is this from magknits. the pattern calls for short row heels and i just may be feeling crazy enough to try them. the beautiful yarn is making them go too quickly, if there is such a thing. i woke up this morning and started working on them while i was still under the covers. did i mention i love this colorway?

i went today to my lys and bought i few things for some other small projects. i am totally grooving on small projects lately. i also signed up and paid for a finishing class. it's on 1/29. i have my ribby that is halfway sewn together then i screwed up sewing in the arm, and my must have cardi pieces. i thought maybe a class would be just the thing to bump up my confidence. sometimes i'm not even sure i weave in ends properly. i'm really psyched.

these mittens will be for my sis. i have made several pairs of these mittens before and they are super cute and quick. she's requested pink and her bday is 2/1, so i think i can make these in time to be part of her bday goodies. wool makes her really itchy, so i opted for this super soft misti alpaca. i think she'll approve. i stupidly showed her these and she loved them...but i wanted her to be able to wear them this winter and most likely they would take me a (long) while. they are on the list. maybe christmas 2007.

this scarf is probably for me. i got a cute jacket from land's end for christmas and i think these colors would look great with it. not complicated one bit and i love the long fringe.

tomorrow my dad and i are driving to see my grandfather for his 94th (95th?) bday. we are going to have cupcakes and then go underpants shopping for him. sounds like fun. the cupcake part anyway. i'll get plenty of good knitting time because my dad always drives. yay.

one down, one to go

2007-01-11T20:01:00.000-05:00

this is actual proof that you can nearly lose your mind and still have a finished object that very closely resembles what it should be. this is my sock. i love it. it fits, it's warm and it took some faith (even though the numbers don't lie) that it would work. i couldn't have done it without cara.

now i am off to put my sleeves in ribby then cast on for the second sock.

i haven't forgotten about my resolutions. in fact, posted or not, i am always thinking about. hopefully i can get them up here this weekend, but no promises.

toodles.

back in the saddle

2007-01-10T09:49:00.000-05:00

after some advice from amber and a pep talk from cara where she assured me i could make socks with the yarn that i had, if i could free myself from any preconceived notions i had regarding gauge and needle size, i started again. actually 2 more swatches worth and then the actual sock. i decided i liked the fabric using the size us2 needles even though i am only getting 6.5 stitches per inch. according to cara, the bright side is my socks will go faster. i am using the pattern here because it was the easiest way for me to substitute in all of my numbers. if i had had to invent my own pattern, i probably would have had a breakdown. i was sooooo close to having one anyway. you cannot even imagine how crazy this little issue was making me. so i am to the part where i pick up stitches for the gusset. i think i like these so far. i decided to spruce them up a little by using some deep purple accents. i like it on the cuff, but the heel might be a bit much. having never done a contrasting heel before, i just assumed that i would start where the heel starts. looks sort of big, though, i'm not sure. at any rate these are mainly to help me get my confidence back and triple check my gauge before beginning knee socks.

a positive side effect from my sock turmoil is that i got a good bit of my ribby sewn up. all that's left is to put the sleeves in. the finishing on this wasn't too bad. atleast not yet. i took my time and spread it all out, and even overly critical me was satisfied with the results. the upside to the socks that nearly got me committed.

so i'll soldier on with my sock today and maybe have one finished to model before the weekend. maybe evn with a zipperless ribby. that would rock.

resolutions still to come...

i've got the blues

2007-01-07T08:42:00.000-05:00

and it's the fault of my fickle master, gauge. how i hate gauge. it's never been too much of a problem for me, until yesterday. and by the time i went to bed last night i was ready to throw in my double points forever. i have all this lovely socks that rock in mediumweight and i had plans to make each skein into a pair of socks this year, picking a different pattern for each. that's not going to happen. or probably not going to happen, i should say. i got down as low as us0 and still was only getting 6.5 stitches to the inch. the yarn felt great, only the fabric seemed dense and possibly too think to wear in my shoes. i am so disappointed. so disappointed. what's wrong with my knitting?? i searched and searched all over the internet and plenty of people make lovely socks with the mediumweight. what am i going to do?

socks happen

2007-01-05T16:41:00.000-05:00

so...i was itching to start a pair of socks, and i did...and they are finished. this has to be some sort of crazy record for me. the first one was done super fast, then i caught a cold and was just too yucky feeling to get started on the second one. still, all total these socks spent only 7 days on the needles. i feel like some sort of knitting super hero. maybe i'll knit me a cape.

in an effort to continue procrastinating on finishing my 2 beautifully blocked sweaters i am planning on starting a second pair of socks. these are going to be in the socks that rock colorway gunmetal gray. it's a very lightly variegated gray. i want to pick a sock that has pattern to it rather than my plain old ribbed version. i pulled out a giant stack of interweaves and i plan to comb knitty. i am interested in both monkey and pomatomus but they might be too complicated.

my resolutions have been marinating and will be ready to post this weekend. i know everyone is on pins and knitting needles wondering how in the world i resolve to make me better. each year it's basically a redux of the previous year with more detail. so this one is pretty detailed. lots of categories and subsets. do note-- i never feel bad about not doing everything. especially for the knitting, it's really just list of ideas i can refer back to.

mice and more

2006-12-28T12:36:00.000-05:00

i almost forgot to show you my secret holiday knitting.
as far as i know, each recipient has enjoyed their gift. all total i made nine, but i forgot to photgraph two of them. the pattern is from stitch and bitch nation and i used 100% wool from my stash and stuffed them with cosmic catnip in empty tea bags that i found at the whole foods. i think they are super cute. no idea how long they'll last though. the action shot is my big sweetie, moe. he's a little older, but when it comes to catnip he can really get goofy (for a few minutes).

the other really exciting news is after consulting with the all knowing and always helpful cara, i decided to be brave and try my ball winder. woo hoo! what fun that was! here's what i have to show for my efforts...2 lovely balls of henpecked from blue moon fiber arts. my dh gave me one for christmas and coincidentally i already had one in the stash. i thought knee socks would be a good idea, but after winding them i see the dye lots are decidedly different. still pondering what to do about that. but the ball winding part was super exciting. i can't wait to do that again. cara had suggested using scales to split skeins for regular socks, so that may be my next attempt. i have been itching to start some socks for awhile, but i am forcing myself to finish ribby, which is down to just a few inches...i'll post a pic when i block it.

toodles.

whew!

2006-12-27T11:25:00.000-05:00

part one of the holidays is over! things were very festive here at chez sheepish...my sis and her beau were over for snacks and prezzies and spent the night one of the nights...friends stopped by for more snacks another evening...then it was off to mr. sheepish's parents for the day and then the next day was all of my family visiting my granddad at the retirement home. good times and good food and good gifts! yesterday was our lazy day. i've pretty much had my fill of holiday food which works out well since ye olde new year is right around the corner. and i love to make resolutions...

strangely, i haven't worked on my resolution list at all yet, but be certain there will be knitting, health stuff and the biggie is procuring gainful employment. i have been interviewing since i got out of school in july, and for various reasons ($$ and commute have been the deal breakers), turned down a couple of really great sounding opportunities. i plan to be super focused and and make it happen asap! stay tuned.

on the prezzie front i did get a ball winder, a blocking board, a swift and 2 skeins of socks that rock and some cool knitting books!!! a very fiberly holiday, indeed. i haven't tried the ball winder yet, but i think i will get my nerve up today. not really sure how to approach the sock yarn. should i wind it in 2 balls or 1 big one? i might have to check some blogs for ideas.

heading to the barn and then to knit! cheers.

complete disappointment

2006-12-20T15:32:00.000-05:00

i hate to say it, but i got my cabled hoodie back from the tailor today, and i hate it. i can't say precisely why, but i do. the hood is a little wonky...the zipper is ugly, although it's sewn in quite nicely...the fit is sort of peculiar...and i thought i loved the color, but maybe i don't. why oh why is every sweater i make doomed??? (picture to come when mr. sheepish gets home)
and it makes me super worried because the must have cardi is waiting to be seamed and ribby only has one sleeve left. i want them to be just right, but i am soooo worried they won't be. in fact, not to be all negative or anything, but i will be shocked if they are wearable.

maybe i should stick to socks. and scarves. and secret holiday knitting (which is all finished). and maybe lace. i've been dreaming about lace.

bday part deux
just in case you were dying to know the end of my big day, it went something like this...my dh took me out to a lovely dinner here. we love to eat out, and this was a new place for us. we had these yummy homemade potato chips with blue cheese, gorgonzola and pepper jelly for appetizer and then i had salmon over lentils and spinach for my entree . and then i had a big hunk of cheese cake. plus champagne. plus wine. everything was delightful--the company, food and service. we were stuffed and happy. then i got prezzies. bdays are so much fun. too bad you have to get older.

happy birthday to me!

2006-12-14T13:39:00.000-05:00

let the spoiling begin...

lookie what my parents sent me! they are festive without being too christmas-y which is definitely a fine line this time of year. and it's always fun to get flowers. i can't even remember the last time i got any. in case it isn't clear in the picture, besides red and white, 4 of the roses are a really cool chartreuse color. many thanks mom and dad!

and the lovely blue decanter on the right is from my sister. it's blenko which we love. and it's frosty, which is sort of unusual. i've put it in what i hope is a peepers free zone. keeping my fingers crossed, anyway.

not necessarily for my birthday, but just because i was near my lys, i did a teeny bit of stash enhancement. i think i'll use the manos for a scarf out of last minute knitted gifts, and ofcourse the sock yarn will be for socks for me. i am itching to start the socks, but i am still working on my gift knitting. i have 9 goodies to make, and i have made 3. i am going to work on them today so hopefully i can pass the halfway mark. i need to mail 5 out on monday. must.resist.new.projects. and i can't forget about poor neglected ribby.

one uber productive thing i did today was take this cardigan from like a year ago to get a zipper put in. crazy, i know. i do think i'll wear it. i'll put it on for you when it's 100% done.

so, off to enjoy the rest of my most favorite day.

secret holiday knitting

2006-12-11T14:44:00.000-05:00

it's only the teeniest little bit...but it's going really well. i promise a picture as soon as the gifts are gifted. it's multiples, but they are all the same, aside from yarn. i could probably post them when they are done without too much worry. i'll decide later.

i left sleeve island with one sleeve complete. perhaps a fatal error, we'll see when i come back to it. i am psyched though, as it seems i may get to wear ribby in early 2007.

i have a bit of shopping and a bit of decorating to do. we don't do a tree because we have peepers instead. she's bad bad bad and no tree or ornament should have to suffer through peepers. we do lights outside and stockings and stuff like that though, so it isn't totally scrooged here at chez sheepish.

more later. ho ho ho.

marinating

2006-12-07T21:25:00.000-05:00

and here are the pieces of my must have cardi which have been stuffed on a shelf in my closet. i can't really envision how the sleeves are going to fit in, but i trust they will. or i will cry. alot. i have my fingers crossed that a blocking board is coming my way (hint, hint). the color is sort of drab in the picture, it's called paprika and that's pretty much what it looks like in person. so use your imagination. please.

in recovery

2006-12-05T09:52:00.000-05:00

i'm back! columbia was super.good.times. but it's taken me a few days to collect myself and more specifically detox. i got to see all of my peeps, and i even met a new one, knitter john. i wish he and bob would start a blog. they have some great projects going on and more importantly they are cute and funny! do it, do it, please, fellas!

so to recap, there was a tiny bit of knitting, but mostly visiting, eating, drinking and other activities like pedis and the symphony. i got home on friday and it seems the holidays are upon us. and naturally with all of my spare time, i haven't done a thing. i feel more than a little panicky.

but there has been knitting. i am 2/3's done with ribby. i can't believe how fast it's going. i am worried about finishing it, mainly because the pieces are shaped a bit differently than the ones i am used to working with. and honestly i don't finish that well. my everyday cardi is in pieces shoved in my closet. my main reason why, i keep telling myself, is because i am expecting a blocking board for christmas. i could use the floor, but it seems to stay covered with a plethora of cat hair. i do vaccuum. but honestly not that often. so i think a blocking board is a great idea and hope santa thought that too. here is real proof i have been knitting. the color is medium accurate. the yarn color is more brown than gray, but you get the idea. that's a piece of a sleeve sitting on top.
starting immediately i am back to my regularly scheduled knitting. and other stuff.

some pics

2006-11-25T10:17:00.000-05:00

here is the tree that came down a couple days ago when the weather was so extreme. you can't tell by the picture, but there is a big portion on the ground that i couldn't fit in the picture. it still has needles and everything on it, so i think the tree was healthy just couldn't stand up to the wind. pines can be a problem around here with the wind and the ice. this was the last one left in our yard. hopefully we'll be able to get the rest of it taken down this week. it looks sort of sad.

this is a picture from tgiving of my sister's cat, rudy. he liked sitting in her seat, but he refrained from jumping on the table. what restraint, in fact more than a certain kitty here could muster. in person, rudy's eyes aren't quite so demonic...although, he is... just a little.

and this is just a better shot of the table. muvie had the cutest turkey napkin rings and a very martha centerpiece. the food was delicious and the company was good. all in all an a+ kickoff to the holiday season.

and finally. these are my finished basic socks (pattern from here) in lorna's laces colorway glenwood. i finished them at the end of our vacation, but never posted the entire pair. they've grown on me. at first i didn't love the way the colors looked knitted as much as i did in the skein, but i seem to be sort of over that. the left sock has fatter sections of color, so i know it's the one i knitted on vacation. the right one is the one i worked on when we were putting my grand dad in retirement home.

tomorrow i am going to astound you with my progress on ribby. be prepared to be blown away!

gobble gobble

2006-11-23T10:47:00.000-05:00

it's thanksgiving and there is much to be thankful for here at sheepish. for one thing, i just left sleeve island on the soon to be finished must have cardi! i can hardly believe it. it looks as though i may finish a sweater. and upon finishing i am going to start ribby. i had scheduled my start date for january 1, but it looks like i am ahead of the game. that's just insane. ofcourse it did take me nearly a year to get this far on the must have. i took a break in the middle, but still. i am going to block tomorrow and hopefully seam by the end of the weekend. but i'm not swearing on my stack of knitting books or anything drastic like that.

another sheepish thing i am thankful for is that we didn't suffer any unfixable damage from the crazy storm we had here in nc. the winds were amazing. the kitties were very upset and spent most of the time hiding. peepers still seems a little disturbed. a tree down is all the damage we had, and considering if it had fallen in the other direction it would be in the den, i'm not feeling too upset about it.

today we are off to my sister's for a clayton style thanksgiving. it's only 30 minutes away. we're lucky because pretty much all of our holiday travels keep us in north carolina. the downside is it is sometimes it's still impossible to fit everyone in. so we just do the best we can. my parents will be there as well as my sister's beau. a small gathering for a big feast. since i am the only vegetarian, i am bringing dishes that will assure i eat a more balanced meal than just rolls and taters. although, that would be a perfectly fine meal too.

on tuesday i am leaving to visit my columbia schmoos and will be gone until the end of the week. i am taking some stash to share with my knitting schmoos sonya and bob. i hope they'll find some things they can use. aside from knitting there will be tennis, the symphony, more visiting, eating and ofcourse the wine. it flows like water in columbia.

some pics after the feast.
peace.

hey y'all

2006-11-22T15:44:00.000-05:00

it got me right...even though many say i don't have much of an accent at all until i have a few glasses of vino!

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The South That's a Southern accent you've got there. You may love it, you may hate it, you may swear you don't have it, but whatever the case, we can hear it.
The Midland
Philadelphia
The Inland North
The Northeast
The West
North Central
Boston
What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes

back to the mainland

2006-11-16T16:13:00.000-05:00

it feels like i've been gone forever! hawaii was fun. the weather was just perfect, we didn't have a single rainy day. we only covered 2 islands, ohau and kahaui. i have to admit i was shocked at what a bustling ciy honolulu is and how much incredible shopping there was. that i didn't do, i might add. but anything you could think of-chanel, hermes, marc jacobs-one fancy schmancy shop after the next. kauai was more my speed, laid back and rustic. so without further ado, here is my hawaiian knitting.

on the trip there i nearly finished this sleeve. here the sleeve is looking over the balcony of the halikulani. i think i still had the last little bit of decreases left, but you get the idea. the plane ride was perfect for uninterupted knitting. i can't remember exactly how long the flight was, but i think it was close to 8 hours and i had already cast on, done the ribbing and the first 4 rows of the pattern. so roughly 8 hours equals 20ish inches. i don't know if that's good or not.

and this is my second socktober sock. in this picture it is enjoying the breeze on the small beach in front of our condo in kauai, just after i turned the heel. it's actually finished now.

the funny thing about socks is i can usually remember what i was doing when i was knitting them. so this one is all hawaii and vacation and relaxation. it's mate, the one i actually finished in october, i worked on mostly on the drive to and from moving my grandfather into an assisted living place. sort of a strange mix for a pair. bittersweet would be the right word, i think. on the hawaiian one i experienced my first bit of pooling. i have made more stripey socks than varigated, so i was curious to see. and truly they match well enough and i don't feel that strongly they be identical.

for my flight home knitting i had really planned to complete the 2nd sleeve of my must have cardi. but ultimately that proved to be just a little too ambitious. it was a red-eye flight and i ended up snoozing most of the way. and then again from dallas to north carolina. if i had finished it, that would have been a sheepish travel first. i usually pack way too much knitting and do very little. this time i packed a reasonable amount and did a fair bit of it. i am so proud.

aloha vacation.

aloha

2006-11-04T22:16:00.000-05:00

we're off to hawaii. not sure what the blogging situation will be, but my knitting is packed and we're ready to go. see you on the 16th.

socktober recap

2006-11-02T09:16:00.000-05:00

first things first, shout outs to lolly for a great socktober. i loved seeing all the pictures AND the tutorials everyone put togther AND the interviews were super-duper fantastic. lolly must be one organized gal.

i am happy to report that i made somewhat of a recovery during the month of sock. after a late start and a false start, i was able to finish one sock. not an entire pair, but it fits and i like it reasonably well. i followed the generic pattern from the yarn harlot's book with no changes. if i used this pattern again, i would probably do some shaping as it is a teeny bit slouchy. i'm not totally thrilled with the colors, it was just much prettier in the skein.

also, during socktober i added this to the sock stash. i consider this an incredibly exciting thing, as i have never had any socks that rock. most of the colors i copied right from cara because i worship her (in a non-stalker, not scary sort of way...). one of the two more solid colors i am reserving for a pair of the retro ribs (see previous entry) because i think it will show up a little better and i really liked the pattern. the rest, well who knows! so far i mainly just like having it. and this bumper sticker was enclosed. i'm still laughing.

the sleeves are progressing on my must have. there was a teeny snafu, but i faked it and all is fine. also, i had to stop working them at the same time because it was confusing me. i think i'll be able to do them quicker as singles. i'm motivated because i want to start my ribby. stella totally knocked one out in just a few weeks and she's my muse for my ribby.

in other news, me and the dh are heading to hawaii on sunday for 10ish days. we're getting so excited although it's always hard to leave the animals. we have a great pet sitter for the kitties, so no worries there. and i have 2 lovely young ladies who will ride and love on my horse. still it's hard to leave them. more on our trip before we go. i still have to plan my knitting strategy. it's a really long flight and it can be difficult to achieve the just right amount of projects.

ta ta!

let 'er rip

2006-10-24T10:44:00.000-05:00

i'm so sad. i like the pattern and i like the yarn, but i hate them together. i'm a socktober failure. i've been surfing around and everyone makes such lovely socks, and lately mine are all poo. on a brighter note, i did procure some new sock stash this month. it hasn't arrived yet, but when it does, i'll show ya. maybe new yarn will make better socks.

here's some other stash enhancement from elann. it's peruvian highland wool in mocha heather and you can't believe how fast this got here. extra thumbs-up to elann for super fast shipping. i'm making a solid colored ribby with this good stuff and it's next in line once i finish my must-have. clearly peepers had her own ideas about setup for this shot, and i think it works. i started the must-have sleeves last night and i'm thinking (hoping) they'll be quick.

it's quite chilly here, so i am procrastinating on riding. i was hoping for it to be atleast 50° before i ventured out. i'm a super big-time wimp when it comes to cold weather. really.

brrr.

better

2006-10-18T12:49:00.000-05:00

i actually started my socks! here's yesterday's progress. the pattern was super easy to memorize, so i feel like i am just zipping along. i won't have much time today for knitting, but tomorrow i plan to make some serious progress.

here's a shot of the baby sweater i finished last week. my best college pal, korene, called yesterday and said their baby girl was born the day before. so now i just need to make sure i get it in the mail. i found this cutest monogram shop that has baby stuff and i plan to get a pair of bloomers monogrammed on the seat to match. that way, maybe with a little t-shirt it will be a cozy lounging around outfit.

also, i finished what little there was to do on the back of my must have cardi. the picture shows the 2 fronts on top of the newly finished back. that means i am down to sleeves and i plan to do them 2 at once. i feel like i am really going to finish this sweater soon. i love it and it's so much fun to knit, only i am scared (very) it isn't going to fit. but i'll cross that bridge when i get there. the color is called paprika which will be great for fall and winter.

i also did a little stash enhancement via the internet. i have a new project in the wings...but i'll show you when it gets here.

sucktober

2006-10-17T13:36:00.000-05:00

absolutely no sign of socks at sheepish. i don't know what's wrong with me! i signed up, i love to knit socks, i have some yarn in the stash and plenty o sock needles...it's just like how i said there would be much knitting in september. there really wasn't. i didn't get anything entered into the state fair as planned either. i am a big fat loser.

so without further ado, i am going downstairs and casting on for a pair of retro rib socks from the winter '04 issue of interweave and i am using lorna's laces in the colorway glenwood. tune in tomorrow to see how much of this actually comes true.

don't fall off the edge of your seat!

my first meme

2006-10-06T10:08:00.000-05:00

noone tagged me or anything like that, i just decided to do it in honor of socktoberfest.

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
i made my first pair of socks about 2 years ago and i taught myself with the help of a basic sock pattern. i had tried several times before, as far back as 9 years ago on a flight to italy, but they didn't really work out.
What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?
these are my first pair.
they fit just fine and have lasted pretty well. and i love them. i mostly wear them around the house or with slippers or to sleep in. they are made of lionbrand self-striping yarn. most of my socks are a little too thick for everyday wear. i don't know if that is yarn choice or needle size, but it is something i would like to fix. i always use sock weight yarn.

What would you have done differently?
probably nothing. they were a great beginner pair. i think it helps that i have an average size foot, because i didn't have to modify the pattern at all. that is something that still makes me nervous, which is why i haven't branched out much from a basic pattern. i am a pattern follower.
What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
i find i am not really fussy when it comes to sock yarn (yet), but my opal socks have certainly gotten softer over time. my only completed socks with lorna's were a little of a disappointment as the yarn seemed overtwisted, but i have more and will be giving lorna's another try. i also have some knitpicks and vesper in ye olde stash. i would love to try some socks that rock, so i need to add that to the stash. and like a million others.
Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
i use 5" brittany birch double pointed needles but sometimes i have to use the longer clover bamboo ones. peepers (the bad kitty) ate a few of my brittanys as did the car on a recent road trip. i can't usually find them around here, so i need to place an order. (i didn't even know you could crochet socks)
Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
this is where things get sort of embarassing. i have no idea what sort of heel i make. but i am guessing it's a flap. what i do is divide my stitches in half, then half go on one needle and the other half are divided again between 2 needles. the needle with more stitches becomes the heel and i work back and forth sl1, k1 across right side rows and s1 p across on wrong side rows. i do this 29-31 times. then i turn the heel, which is my very favorite part. then i pick up stitches one each side, which is my least favorite part.
How many pairs have you made?
i have made 7 pairs...all for me. i still don't think they are perfected enough to be gifts. 5 are a basic pattern, and a hedera and jaywalker. i would love to make some knee socks, but i would need some sort of pattern. remember? i am a pattern follower.
sock on!

socktoberfest

2006-10-05T09:02:00.000-05:00

i am possibly the last (and latest) person to join, but i couldn't help it. the buttons are so cute and i thought it would be a great motivator to get some good socks going.
especially since my last disaster. i do have my fifth baby bolero to show you, but it's getting washed and blocked in just a few, so i'll save it for later. also just dug out my must have cardi. it's so much fun to pull out something and see that it's further along than you thought. only now i am scared of the gauge thing. so i plan to just knit on and find someone smaller than me if it doesn't fit.

with any luck i'll be back this afternoon with pics and a socktoberfest button!

toodles.

happy birthday bob!

2006-09-28T06:48:00.000-05:00

i'm pretty sure it's today. i know it's this week. i'm hoping to come visit and check on your knitting progress soon. i still miss you...~~looking for~~ found a~~n incriminating~~ picture ~~(you know the ones)~~.
in knitting news, i have failed miserably at my attempt for all knitting all the time in september. i did rip out my jungle stripe (i don't really get the name of this colorway) sock. and i have been working on a baby bolero. it should be finished by saturday, since that is when the shower is...

cheers to bob!

gauge is stupid and i hate it

2006-09-21T10:53:00.000-05:00

i'm not kidding. i never even used to think about it until i read this. so i blame the yarn harlot, as ignorance truly is bliss. how did i justify ignoring gauge? i just did. i would see that part of a pattern and skip over it. la la la. it can't happen to me, that's what i was thinking. i am so perfect i always knit things just as the pattern describes, right down to the size of every single stitch. which is really hilarious when i stop and think about it. but seriously, it's just a part of the denial. it's an illness. and it's not even as bad as it could be. it's just a sock. but i knitted this sock while we were being all fancy this past weekend. so i feel like it has memories. but basically all those memories are an inch too small. making them useless unless you have teeny ankles and smaller than size 7 feet.

this whole gauge thing sent me on a mad quest last night. i started pulling out different socks and measuring them compared to the pattern. and i found some interesting things. my favorite hand knit sleep socks which are a skooch too big are 6 stitches to the inch, my socks that are too small are 8 stitches to the inch, and socks that are just right are 7 stitches to the inch. the one thing i am not so sure of in this little experiment is what size needles i've been using on which socks. on the offending socks i did go down a size just to get a tighter fabric, but i really didn't think it wouldn't matter. IT DOES. one extra stitch per inch equals one inch. that's crazy. i don't think i'll ever recover. knitting is math. this is a bad thing for me. i SUCK at math.

i am scared to go back and look at sweaters, especially the one i have still in progress. i have a beautiful peace fleece everyday cardi all finished and sewed up that i never wear cause it is too short. is it short because i didn't make row gauge?? it's all stockinette, so i can find out. but then what am i going to do? rip the entire thing? i don't wear it and it has been on my list of things to consider because i love it. i love everything about it but the length. and apparently it's my own fault. i followed the directions too closely for the finished measurements, not considering my own preferences yet i couldn't be bothered to check my gauge.

what folly this knitting thing.

i leave you with this. it's a new fall bag for me. it's way bigger than i usually carry, but i think i can stuff it full of my (ill-sized) knitting.

still knitting

2006-09-08T12:52:00.000-05:00

just not very much or very fast.**

i did finally finish my hedera's. i like them, but i don't love them. there are a few mistakes and one seems to be a skooch longer than the other but i am sure i will enjoy them regardless. it was my first, mostly successful lace project. the lorna's laces feels great, but one skein was a little over twisted. i was sort of disappointed, as it was my first experience with lorna's and i was expecting to be wowed. (is that even a word?)

my noni bag is mostly finished. it needs to take a trip to my sister's house to be felted. i think i might have enough yarn to make 2 more smaller flowers. i'm going to wait to choose handles until after it's felted. i hope this is cute when i am done. i have my doubts.

also, i am possibly the last person on the planet to make one of these. the pattern was fun and easy to remember...but i think it turned out sort of ugly. sorry kay & ann. i have a couple more balls in different colors and some leftovers, so i can experiment if the mood strikes. also plan to start the baby kimono in apple green cotton.

i have a giant to do list in regards to knitting. one thing is my last baby bolero. if i just can't make it happen, maybe the kimono can take it's place. i need to finish my must have cardi. just a bit of the back left and 2 sleeves which i plan to do at once. that's funny. i never do anything at once. it will be perfect for winter if i can just finish it. i also want to make a shrug of some sort. i am leaning toward the one skein wonder only with long sleeves. my knitting schmoo, sonya, wants to make one too. so we need to work out the details on that. i also wanted to make a scarf like adrian is making just because the noro colors look so pretty that way and i am a total copycat. and i wanted to start a pair of toe up socks just to see how that works. and maybe some baby booties from an older interweave...oh yeah and bianca's jacket from the new fall issue. and the linen dishtowels from mason & dixon. there's more. i am just too ashamed to list it all.

while i wasn't posting, i was off to charleston. we had a lovely time. sort of the end of summer for sheepish. which is fine. i'll miss the weather, but honestly, knitting is better during all the other seasons. and mark my words. i plan to knit alot in september. if i get my nerve up, i might actually enter something(s) in the state fair.

**note to self: it's time to step away from the orange. and the pink.

doggone it!

2006-08-25T07:03:00.000-05:00

dear knitter john and harley,

it was recently brought to my attention that possibly some offense was taken when, in my last post, i compared a pig to a schnauzer. i can see how this might offend some certain schnauzers (or pigs), but in my defense i did say giant schnauzer, but that really is just splitting (wiry) hairs. so, please accept my sincerest apology and i promise i won't make the same mistake again. although, he was a really cute pig.

l,m

ps. it is very likely this unfortunate situation could have been avoided altogether if a certain someone had sent along puppy pictures, as promised. i'm just sayin'.

home again

2006-08-16T12:37:00.000-05:00

san diego was fun fun fun! we ate and drank and chatted and saw the sights. we went here to get a dose of pop culture and we went here for lunch one day to feel fancy and here for window shopping and walking on the beach. and ofcourse here. i didn't take many pics, but the koala bears were too cute.

and ofcourse su lin. she was completely wedged in a tree and would never cooperate for a better shot. her mom was looking equally comfy straddled over a big dead tree. in their defense, it was a pretty hot day.

and then this wire haired pig. i love him. he looks like a giant schnauzer. isn't he precious??

and don't despair. there has also been knitting. the hedera socks are still not finished, i worked on the second sock quite a bit on the flight to ca, but i packed her and checked her on the way home. i didn't want to take any chances of having my knitting confiscated and on friday noone was much in the mood for answering questions about all the regulations. what a waste of good knitting time, though.

also nearly off the needles is my noni bag. i need to finish the decreases and the ruffle, then a trip to my sis's for felting. i am afraid i am not going to have enough yarn for all the flowers as shown in the pattern. i need to decide if i should order more yarn or do with less flower power. i had the orange in my stash, but i don't think it would matter too much if the dye lot was a little different for just the flowers. and i may not need all those flowers, i'll just wait and see. i'm already thinking about my next projects. definitely some more socks and a ribby. for sure. i have had it on my list forever and i'm ready. i mean it. although i really would like a shrug too. hmmm.

see ya.

california here i come!

2006-08-06T20:53:00.000-05:00

yippeeee! bright and early tomorrow morning i am headed out the door for san diego. i'll be there a week with my non-knitting pal, steph. she has all sorts of fun things planned, but the one i am most excited about is seeing su-lin. i'm only taking one knitting project and that's the second hedera. hopefully it will be complete on my return. if i end up finishing it sooner, i might just have to drag steph to a knit shop. i am sure san diego has several. when i get back, i expect the rest of the yarn for my noni bag will be here and i can finish that up. i am so excited and nervous to get that felted. it's going to be pink and orange and i've been toying with the idea of handles like this, but i am afraid it might be a bit much. i'll just have to wait and see how the bag comes out.

don't miss me too much.

flower power

2006-08-01T11:27:00.000-05:00

here's my progress on my noni garden party bag. it seems a little floppy, but i'm hoping it will felt all lovely like these. i'm still waiting for the pink to go with the orange so i can get the bag body started.

i'm getting ready to go to san diego for a week, so i am already thinking what i should take as my plane knitting and what i should take to work on in my free time. i think the second hedera is a good candidate, but i haven't made any decisions about anything else.

be cool and groovy!

goodies

2006-07-27T21:24:00.000-05:00

i would call it stash enhancement, but technically no yarn has been added. yet. it is just a matter of time though.

i can say without one bit of reservation, while i maybe the last person to own this book, i love love love it. and it makes me heart kay and ann too. their blog is not one i have followed very much, although i would have to live under a big rock to have never heard of it.... i want to make nearly all of the projects, and more than that, i just want to be a better knitter. in all regards. i think this is the most inspirational book in my collection. and there are more than a few. i have also added them to the increasing list of blogs i read.

also new goodies are these two patterns. i am excited to jump right in and get started. i have some cascade 220 in my stash, i just need to read and see if i have enough. i have no idea how to line a bag or any of that jazz, but i have friends who can rescue me. i've looked around blogland and there are quite a few cool finished bags.

this is my next baby bolero, fifth and last. it's for a dear friend of mine from college and i'll probably make her other stuff too. maybe the kimono sweater from my new favorite book and some burp cloths, too. and maybe some hats. i haven't really ever made hats of any sort. ohhh...and baby socks. i have plenty of leftover sock yarn for that. seems a little ambitious, but fun to contemplate.

ordering and buying yarn tomorrow. oh happy day.

no more negativity

2006-07-20T13:44:00.000-05:00

i promise.

i would like to present baby bolero iv. it's cute! i actually washed it and everything so here's a pic of it drying.it's maybe a little cooler blue than the picture shows, but you get the idea. all that's left to do is wrap it and gift it to the mom-to-be. just to say...i really have enjoyed making these little baby sweaters...i think i came off a little bit on the downside last time i wrote about making them. i am sure it's a combo of things, the biggest one being that everyone i know is pregnant or a new mom and that doesn't seem to be in my stars. but there's definitely no shortage of baby knitting opportunities, so that helps makes up for it.

i have patched things up with hedera. and even though this picture looks much like the last one, it is nearly done. i applied a theory we used to use with dirty clothes when in was in college. if dirty clothes sit around long enough, eventually they will seem clean. so the problems in hedera seemed much less like problems a week later. in fact they really weren't problems at all. voila-clean laundry!

i am going to pick up my must have cardigan next and get it finished. then i am looking for the next big thing. i am sort of interested in the log cabins everywhere...but seriously...if i got bored with 4 baby sweaters, i might honestly do something crazy with an entire blanket in my future. i had toyed with learning to crochet and making a granny square afghan in some funky colors and some sort of yummy yarn. but that just seems drastic. i do like many of the things in the cornelia tuttle hamilton/noro book i got...but they just seem so wintery. maybe cece or ribby? and certainly more socks.

hating hedera

2006-07-12T19:03:00.000-05:00

not the pattern, just my interpretation of it. i am probably getting ready to rip the whole thing out. what else was i going to do, right?

dh is on his way to vegas as we speak. he'll be playing some poker and hopefully winning tons of money. i already have plans for how i am going to spend it all. hah. his little adventure does leave me with 4 days to eat junk food and redo my sock, though.

must. go. eat. icecream.

structure

2006-07-07T14:11:00.000-05:00

that's what has been missing from my life. seems it is just as big a problem for me to have too much time as opposed to too little. makes no sense, but that's the place i find myself lately. when we got back from indianapolis i decided making a giant list would help me get some things done. and it has! the car is getting hail damage fixed next week...i am getting dr.'s apppointments out of the way...hopefully i can get an electrician to come out...and i am getting the carpet stretched and cleaned. crazy, right?? also, i have enlisted the help of a friend to help pick out fabric for my sofa downstairs which needs recovering, and wallpaper for the master bathroom, something i just never got around too when we moved in 3 years ago. it's time!

as for knitting. here's my progress on hedera. i think i made a small error in the heel based on the way i read the pattern. it said to repeat rows 1 and 2 23 times...and i think i only did 23 rows total. it looks like it will be ok for the length of the heel, i just need to duplicate the error on sock 2. i really like the way these are coming out. the pattern is pretty easy to remember and in my opinion fairly forgiving in terms of mistakes. i see a few, but i don't feel worried. and usually i am compelled to let 'em rip.

second on the list is baby bolero iv. these are the pieces, by sunday i hope to have it finished. the baby shower is the 22nd, so i am well ahead of schedule yet again (hat's off to me) but i have really struggled with being thrilled about making this. i am very concered about bbv. maybe i should look for another pattern. i have 2 skeins of yellow blue sky cotton if anyone feels bold enough to make a suggestion.

the race was great fun. renault put on a good show, but ferrari was the big winner. it was unbelievably hot, so i mostly knitted on the plane and at the airport. here's a view of the brickyard, toward the tower and pit row during qualifying on saturday.

indianapolis countdown

2006-06-30T21:04:00.000-05:00

hopefully i am working my way out of my slump by making these lovely socks from knitty. i am using lorna's laces, colorway carrot. i have cast on since this picture was taken and knit 3 rows of ribbing. i don't really have enough light, but i wanted to get them cast on before we got to the airport tomorrow. that's right. sheepish is heading out to indianapolis for this! it's not nascar people--it's formula 1 grand prix racing--and it's going to be fun. we'll be back monday, so you won't even miss me. and maybe you'll see a picture of something other than knitting for a change.

also when i get back i'll show you baby bolero iv. it's finished, but not sewn together. for each bolero, i have started changing the pattern a little to make it easier. for this one i used a 3-needle bind-off for the shoulders and i think it worked great. i know that isn't probably a desirable way to seam shoulders for a larger sweater, but it really keeps the bulk down and looks so neat on something tiny. i don't think it will affect the wearability one bit.

go alonso! go renault!

knitting malaise

2006-06-22T09:19:00.000-05:00

before i start whining, let it be known that two tequila sunrises are better than one. and they are pretty much identical! olé!

whine starts here. i don't know what's wrong, but i am having a hard time with my knitting. i started my fourth baby bolero and had to put it down cause all i wanted to do was burn it. didn't seem like i should put bad vibes like that into a baby sweater. so i pushed that aside and cast on for a baby sock. i was trying to use up some of the scraps of yarn i had, and i thought it would be a good thing. but it wasn't. so i put that aside too. then i thought about my must have cardi, but honestly, it's just too hot to work on that right now. so what's a girl to do? my solution has been to sit around and pout.

probably contributing to my current mood is that i have one nasty summer cold. i woke up monday feeling like dog breakfast, and it has been that way ever since. yesterday was probably the worst because i lost my voice. and when you are chatty like i am, no voice is a sad thing. in an effort to recover, i am staying home from the barn today. or i am trying too. i'm also being quiet. highly challenging.

on a brighter note, all these sunflowers grew underneath my bird feeder. thank you mr. bluejay for making this arrangement possible.

the skies are charcoal gray

2006-06-14T08:33:00.000-05:00

and the rain just keeps coming. not complaining because we have been behind on rain for a pretty long time. just hoping we don't float away.

not much knitting to report. i did finish my tequila sunrise socks and will post a picture at some point. i have the yarn ready to start on my next baby bolero, but i can barely stand the thought. isn't that awful. it's easy, it's pretty quick, i'm just tired of making them. what i really want to do is get a swift and a ballwinder and ball up some of my fancy sock yarn and get busy on some fabulous socks. or start a brand new project complete with new yarn and a new pattern. something not out of the stash, only i don't know what. i think i am going to spend some time today surfing around blogland for inspiration.

tonight we are headed to the fifth game in the stanley cup finals! promises to be a fun, rowdy time. go canes!

what could be funnier...

2006-06-06T10:21:00.000-05:00

than an eastern north carolinian knitting socks watching hockey? that's how it's been here since the hurricanes have been in the playoffs. i feel a little canadian. thanks to hockey, my second tequila sunrise is to the heel, with no need to photograph, as it looks pretty much like the one in a previous post. just scroll down to 5/15 if you need a reminder.

both boleros are finished! i think the pink one looks a little nicer than the greenish one. mainly because the greenish one was shedding a ton and it makes it look sort of ratty. any suggestions for this? they are both blue sky cotton, the only difference is the greenish one is a naturally occurring shade. anyway, i know that each recipient will appreciate the thought and even if they never fit the babies, they will atleast be on a doll or a bear. i hope. so, only two left. one will be blue and the other will be yellow. then i have an extra ball of the yellow for a spare. i nearly have this pattern memorized so when i can make myself do it, i'll start on the next duo.

here are some pictures of a little stash enhancement i did this weekend. my friend mary pope and i made a quick stop at a quirky little store in our area and i came away with these things. i know the cornelia tuttle hamilton book is old, but i have wanted it since last year. there are several projects i am considering acquiring yarn for, including klarlund, susa (a shawl), gesta (a really cute vest, and williamsro (a chunky, very cute cardigan). too much? it would take me the rest of my life to make all of those things.

and the yarny items. why that's lorna's laces. one is the color carrot, with which i plan to make some cute girly, lace socks, the other is glenwood, a colorway i have been drooling over for a while. i am not sure what pattern i will make with these. i am definitely open to suggestions. also pictured is one skein of euroflax. not entirely sure why i bought that, just wanted it, i reckon.
see ya!

pieces & parts

2006-05-29T20:42:00.000-05:00

believe it or not, i've been knitting...but it seems like the same old stuff keeps hanging around. to prove there is progress i'll show the following as evidence:

1) must have cardi-if you squint you can see 2 fronts and a nearly completed back. i am taking a small break on this after today, so maybe i could do something more seasonal. more about that later. when i do pick this back up i don't think it will take any time to finish the armhole shaping and then my plan is to work both arms at the same time. finishing is what scares me.

2) baby bolero 2 & 3. both need to be sewn together and the edging added. i have to finish both this week. the lighter color one is a very light sage green. the parents-to-be have elected to not find out the sex of their little, so i opted for something very neutral. hopefully not too much so. i think it would look cute with any onesie type ensemble even if it is not a typical baby color. in the fruit bowl is baby bolero iv. apparently there is something in the water around here.

3) sss. here it is in full bloom. i am calling this sock tequila sunrise because that's what it reminds me of, even though i have never had one. that, and the summer. it's basic, but the yarn makes it pretty entertaining. i need to finish (start) the second sock so i can break into the lorna's laces or vesper stash. or maybe even be wild and order some socks that rock. i have always coveted cara's beautiful socks. and i do feel the need to try a different pattern. different pattern and different yarn...that's just out of control!

hope everyone had a safe holiday weekend. we stayed home and had a grand time. i am headed out solo tomorrow to do the beach thing with my parents. i am packing more than one project, but i don't know if anything will get done. something about the beach makes me do more eating, reading and sleeping instead of knitting. but it's important to have options.

hang ten!

i'm in!

2006-05-24T21:23:00.000-05:00

i got an email today that i am officially in the knitting blogs webring. how cool is that? i'm pretty excited to be a member since i have been reading blogs in this ring for so long. i feel like i should have a speech prepared. not really, but still it is a notable day in my knitting life.

moe is highly impressed.

baby bolero ii

2006-05-23T20:55:00.000-05:00

well, well. i didn't finish my sock. but lookie, i started this yesterday, and i believe if i don't lose my train of thought i can finish it directly! i changed my plans because i have been procrastinating (imagine) on baby gifts, and one of the recipients will be in town in two weeks from san diego. i would love to give it to her in person. so, it would seem i am way ahead of the schedule. wrong! we are going to dinner with another really good friend who is also pregnant and actually due sooner, and this one is for her. i am going to start the other one tomorrow, then finish them both at the same time. after that, i still have two more to make, bringing the baby bolero grand total to five. if i complete all these, i will feel like a truly organized knitter, planning gifts and actually giving them in a timely manner. and this probably is way out of control, but i have also been envisioning little socks from leftover sock projects and possibly a hat or two from scraps of all the boleros. no school+no job=finished projects.

finally

2006-05-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

some knitting progress!

first off, we have a sock that needs its gusset stitches picked up. i am on it, and predict a finished sock by wednesday. i may aim for sooner. i bagged the picot edging and the anklet plan early on. if you can tell in this pic the edging was rolling in on itself and being a problem. i wasn't in the mood to discover why, so i just started over with my tried and true recipe.

secondly, i have passed the trouble spot on my must have cardi. i have entered the black hole where it isn't growing anymore, but atleast everything is as it should be. i would like to finish the back soon. that will leave only the sleeves and i plan to do them together. i am not going to sew this up right away because i would like to work on my technique a little before i do.

and currently in last place, here is the very start of the next baby bolero. i wound the skein into 2 balls and don't laugh, but i count this as an accomplishment. i have some beach time with my parents coming up in the next few weeks and this will be perfect for beach knitting along with my second sock. if it goes really fast, i have a second bolero i can start.

we had a good weekend here. we did the mother's day thing. dh to his and me to mine. both were just lovely. i also finished this and started this. i count that as knitting related. i don't think it matters i am reading them out of order. i will say i do feel inspired to be more creative and to try some different things. i promise am going to try a new type of sock. i have the pamphlet for knitting socks on circulars. i may give that a whirl. also, i have a cardigan than needs to be longer, i am going to try and fix that without ripping the entire thing. and i can't forget my drop spindle and fiber. i am more than a little intimidated by it. but so curious too.

school's out!

2006-05-09T08:07:00.000-05:00

permanently. yippee! i am all done with school. it was a little bit of a non-event when i finished my last class, but that's ok. just not having homework is already making a difference with my free time. i have a list a mile long of things that need to be done, chores mostly, and some fun stuff. and riding. and update my sidebar stuff. and knitting, ofcourse.

i managed to have to rip out my must have cardi again. i don't even know if this is the third or fourth time. i have been misreading the pattern over and over. i now know what i have been doing wrong, and more than likely, it was right the first time. ackk. for that very reason i am taking a break. i started a new sock with a picot cast-on. when (if) the sun comes out today i'll take a pic. i think plain stockinette to go with the cute picot edge. and maybe they'll be short instead of regular length. crazy, i know.

i also have two more balls of blue sky cotton balled up and ready to be turned in to baby sweaters. really just another way to procrastinate on the must have. plus there are some new summer things floating around i am interested in. Cece is so cute, although i prefer long sleeves. also i have always coveted cutaway and the ribi cardi. not to mention the pullover flair or breezy cables from spring ik. neither of those are terribly good for summer, but i could get a head start...and the summer issue should be out soon.

in the meantime, off to grocery shop, target, clean my house, post office...you get the idea.

too much fun

2006-04-26T23:18:00.000-05:00

i should be working on my portfolio...but i'm not. so there. and this was just way too much fun. i could have made it twice as big but i'll save that for another day.

make your own http://www.hotfreelayouts.com/music.php

slim knittins

2006-04-26T12:33:00.000-05:00

but, only 7 days until it's all knitting all the time. i can't wait. ofcourse i'll need to do all the other things that have been put aside for so long such as cleaning and grocery shopping...but i can't focus on that now. i did manage to squeeze in one project as a knitted one. it was for packaging design...and i made a knitted hemp bag that soap could be packaged in. it doubles as a scrubby. i'll take a pic later, but the teacher loved it!
most likely the next time you hear from me i'll be all finished. a graduate even.

purple, purple and more purple

2006-04-19T12:01:00.000-05:00

i finished the baby bolero on sunday, and i think it came out pretty cute. pulling out the pink thread to add the ribbing wasn't as bad as it could have been. for the next one i will try the provisional or some other sort of cast on that might be easier to remove. i wish where it was seamed at the shoulders didn't come out so thick. again, my finishing leaves a little to be desired. my next one will commence as soon as i wind the yarn in a ball. it will be the same brand, blue sky cotton, and the color will be shrimp.

also, the second sock is finished. yay! i am getting ready to cast on for a new pair, and i think these are going to be much shorter to wear with tennies. i have a new pair of chuck's and i think cute socks is just what they need. i was thinking i would use some vesper or something else from the stash. i don't think my feet will be too hot. or i guess i could try a cotton blend.

knitting is going to be pretty slim over the next 2 weeks. i have 3 illustration projects, 1 photoshop project and my entire portfolio and resume due. i'm sort of worried about finishing it all. but then sort of over it too. the end is always tough. but i'll be glad to be done. next on the list...find a job.

toodles.

progress

2006-04-10T08:39:00.000-05:00

not much knitting going on at sheepish, but i am happy to say that the baby bolero needs nothing but edging. i have to search and see if i have this size circular, or go shopping. i did a little research and i now know what a provisional cast-on is and i'll know better next time. hopefully i can make the longtail work. i may have to just snip it out and be super careful when i pick up the stitches. i would also like to say my finishing skills are non-existent and i really, really would like to improve them. especially when you give something as a gift. i always have the nagging fear it will fall apart.

i also started the mate for the purple striped opal sock that was started awhile back. should be able to make this a pair shortly. perfect for an inbetween homework sort of thing. obviously i am more than a little proud of my pansies this year.

and in the booty category...my dh was sweet enough to buy me all three of the yarn harlot's books. i felt so left out never having read a word of a single one. but no more. i was trying to save them for the beach in may, but i peaked at this one. if i can't save them maybe i'll spring for this or this, or both!

we're gonna have birdies!

how weird is this?

2006-04-06T20:16:00.000-05:00

has anyone seen this skittles commercial?

this one's for bob

2006-04-03T20:54:00.000-05:00

here's a little knitting progress brought to you by peepers. it's the baby bolero from one skein. quick, cute, clever pattern. so far, i love it. the pictures may not be the clearest of the knitting, but peepers was being a willing model, and that never happens. so focus on peeps in today's shots.

since this picture has been taken, the last section on the left, where the needle is, has been completed and the sleeves have been started. i am working both sleeves at the same time. i hope to sew this tiny thing up this weekend and get the ribbing done. i have a 3 week old to try it on, just to see what the size is like. she's just over 7lbs today. the only (big) problem i forsee is that i had (still have) no idea what a provisional cast on is, and i just did my normal long-tail cast on with a yarn of a different color. hopefully i'll be able to get it out easily enough.

it's a bear!

2006-03-27T15:02:00.000-05:00

lookie! bobbi bear is finished and in roughly one week. that's crazy! the baby it's a gift for is still a baby! this is some sort of record. notice that arms, ears and a face really do play down a giant head. and honestly, bobbi isn't scary at all.

this pattern was fun and only a little complicated. the bonus was there was little finishing to do since it was all sort of made in one piece. very cool. however, i do see some places where the stuffing shows through the stitches and some other places where the stitches aren't very neat. and i couldn't figure out the duplicate stitch around the neck, so i added a ribbon. i have enough yarn to do a second. i'll probably take a break and work on my other sock.

i'm still waiting for the book with the baby bolero in it. i wish that would hurry and get here. i am really digging these fast, small projects. i get such a sense of accomplishment, which helps keep my momentum going. and they are easy to squeeze in with the ever increasing mountain of end of year projects for school.

i'll leave you with one last shot of bobbi.

crazy big-headed bobbi

2006-03-23T22:37:00.000-05:00

is it just me, or is this bear's head abnormally large? i am sure it seems bigger since he has no arms or face...but really, it's jumbo. he doesn't look so freakish in the pattern picture. or on other blogs. is this bear going to scare a child?
stay tuned. face, ears and arms to come. maybe if i give him giant ears you will be distracted from his enormous head. or flappy arms. suggestions welcome.

full disclosure

2006-03-20T17:04:00.000-05:00

i swear these are all the (knitting) projects i have in progress:

-plain old sock. i need to kitchener the toe of the first sock and start the second. i have some lorna's laces waiting in the wings. never tried it before, so i'm excited.

-must have cardi. the back has been ripped twice and is ready to go whenever i pick it back up. i have finished the two fronts.

-handspun scarf. i figure i'll keep knitting a while, then add some really long fringe. it's got a bag lady sort of feel to it, but i like it.

-baby bobbi bear. hmmm. brand new project that goes along with the order i placed at kpixie last week. i have enough blue sky cotton for 2. the color pictured is a really bright pink. the other is light yellow. since this pic was taken, i'm about 2/3 done! he needs arms, stuffing and the rest of his head, plus embroidery details.

-baby bolero(s) from one skien. i am making 5 of these. one baby arrived on st. pat's, but she's a teeny thing, so i think she'll be able to wear it when i finish. before the end of the month is my plan.

i think i have enough to keep me busy...

panda-monium

2006-03-17T21:59:00.000-05:00

so, long time, no blog. that's how it is when it's spring break and you have nothing to do. funny how that works.

the trip to dc was a blast. we stayed on dupont circle, which was nicely located near our goal. tai shan. and that was the first thing we did, once we got settled. we headed to the national zoo. i have to say, they must not be on the fast track to getting ready for spring, because there was so much construction going on and some much needed spring cleaning to be done. also many animals were not on exhibit. i guess they couldn't plan for the beautiful weather. but never fear. the object of our desire was hanging out, pleasing the crowds. he stayed in his tree the entire time we were there. he may not look it, but he really seemed comfortable.
we did other things while we were there too. we ate some yummy food thanks to recommendations from my dear friend, bob. we hit the air and space museum and the natural history museum. also the phillips collection, which i really enjoyed. we tried to get into the spy museum, since i have a preoccupation with all things alias, but sadly all the time slots were booked. we strolled around and ate in alexandria. we did pretty well for only having 2 full days.
i did actually do some ripping and knitting. i fixed and re-messed up my must have cardi, so i am just taking a break from it for awhile. i have a sock to show in the very cute opal rainforest color called fish. i have nearly finished the handspun scarf i started way back when i was at the bali house. i love it, but i'm not sure anyone else will. i also have ordered a few things from kpixie and knitpicks. more about that when the packages actually arrive. it's been so long since i've bought yarn, i'm absolutly giddy. so later this weekend i'll show some projects and hopefully next week i'll have goodies from the usps to show.

i have a horse show this weekend and shopping with my sis scheduled for a perfect end to a good break. i didn't do a lick of homework, which i will probably hate myself for later.

the visual

2006-03-07T17:49:00.000-05:00

here are the pics to demonstrate the problem i mentioned in my last post. the first pic shows my progress on the back. nothing to sneeze at, i'll be sad to rip it all out. the second pic is the detail. if you focus in on the diamond shapes, you'll notice the bottom two are smaller than the top two. i hope i am not the only one who sees it. it's probably only two rows two narrow. can i live with it? i would try, only i think it will cause problems later.

rip it!

to the pond

2006-03-06T21:57:00.000-05:00

the frog pond, that is.

up until 5 minutes ago i was going to write a long, glowing post about how great everything was going with my cardi. i measured and was about halfway done with the back before starting the armhole shaping...was making plans for two sleeves at once. it was all going to be so great. i already have the fronts finished. what did cara call it? yarma? i have bad knitting yarma.

and then i started looking. really looking. and right in front of my face i saw where the first pattern repeat at the very bottom near the ribbing is too small. you'll see what i mean when i post the pic. how could this happen?? my thinking is it happened in wilmington. i could be wrong, but that would have been the most likely place. anyway, i'll be ripping it tomorrow. i considered leaving it, but i think it would make it so the pattern on the front two pieces didn't match up with the back. alas.

i did notice that carrie is making this very same sweater. i hope she is paying better attention than i was.

we are going to dc this weekend to see the panda! i can't wait. there will be plenty of knitting time because we are driving. i think it's about 5ish hours. aside from the zoo, we are leaving our plans pretty loose. i am hoping we can find nice dinner out without being too touristy. and maybe brunch on sunday. basically i'm in it for the panda and the meals. i love tai shan. alot. this picture is from the national zoo pandacam page. i've spent a scary amount of time on that website. but there is no denying it, he is precious.

seriously

2006-02-28T22:17:00.000-05:00

look at my medal.

sono fatto

2006-02-26T10:07:00.000-05:00

ciao! i'm am very proud to present the olympic pirate mittens. these were a fun project and a great way to get acclimated to 2 color knitting. the pattern was great and the charts were clear and easy to follow. thanks adrian! i have enough yarn left for a second pair or a hat. i am glad i didn't procrastinate myself right out of finishing. it almost happened. at any rate, i am glad to be done and am looking forward to getting my must have cardi finished.

great job to all the olympic knitters and grazie to stephanie for making it happen.

approaching the finish line

2006-02-26T08:12:00.000-05:00

it's true. all that's left is one thumb.

rested, relaxed and totally behind

2006-02-21T16:37:00.000-05:00

sonya and i had a glorious weekend. the weather was terrible on saturday, but we didn't care. we ate, we drank and we did some actual knitting. we're planning to do it again in september. the first picture on the left shows the view from the covered porch. we sat in the cold on the porch bundled in blankets on saturday even in the rain, just to enjoy the tranquility.

the pond was filled with gigantic koi. they were so interested in being fed, i am certain they were on the evolutionary fast track. they would stick their heads and bodies so far out of the water i was positive they were going to just flop right out of the water onto the rocks. and possibly walk. or at the very least ask for more snacks.

as for knitting, i worked on the back of my must have cardi, and i started a scarf with my lovely handspun that has been prominently featured here. i also balled up some knit and tonic colorway of vesper sock yarn. did i knit on my pirate mitten. NO. so i have one entire mitten to start and finish. i still think it's doable once i get tonight's class and wednesday's out of the way. i will really be experiencing the agony of defeat if i can't finish a pair of mittens when some are making lovely and complicated things. like adrian.

i'll leave you with a close up of buddah. we felt he needed a scarf or maybe a warmer hat. it was really chilly. with just a little more time, i am sure we would have taken care of it.

pooch update

2006-02-17T09:30:00.000-05:00

her owner's called first thing yesterday morning. her name is morgan and she's home all safe and sound. i love happy endings.

and sonya and i are off on our adventure. pics and update on monday.

happy knitting.

revelation

2006-02-15T21:54:00.000-05:00

so here's something i discovered. i don't like knitting on a deadline. at all. here i am all the way done with one mitten, and i can't bear to start the second one. what's up with that?? it seems that the schedule has taken all the fun out of the process. isn't that silly?

on a different note, i am so looking forward to my knitting weekend retreat in wilmington. i am taking some vesper sock yarn from kpixie to start some socks, my gorgeous handspun from britta and my must have cardi back, and i suppose my pirate mitten. too much? probably, but i want to make sure all my bases are covered. we have our menus (and beverages) all planned and we are shopping and lunching out on saturday. hopefully we'll even find a minute to walk on the beach. it's supposed to be cold but not too freezing. oh and i am looking up the lys as i type.

also, today a very sweet collie wandered up to my house and stayed. i named her mollie. i had to board her at the vet tonight since the kitties wouldn't really let her hang out. i am in hopes that someone will claim her tomorrow. i called the neighbors, but noone knew of her. i have posted info at the spca and the county lost and found and the local vet. my dh assures me that if worse comes to worst we can keep her. she seems to have a sight problem, not blind, but maybe very farsighted. i am stopping by first thing in the morning to snap a pic for her flyer, so i'll post it here too. she's precious.

citius, altius, fortius

2006-02-11T22:03:00.000-05:00

opening ceremonies went off without a hitch. i was tired, but waited until the actual time they started on nbc, so i had time to rest and have dinner before i actually got underway. and this is how far i got before i had to call it a day. i knitted just under two hours. i am not very fast. but i got a feel for the two color thing and that helped my confidence.

here's my coach summing up my progress. as you can see, he is all about swifter, higher, stronger.

and here's today's progress! all i am lacking for being done with one mitten is a thumb and some loose ends.

can you believe it? overall i think it looks pretty good. i am a little worried about the thumb, as the live stitches on the top weren't as obvious as the ones on the bottom. and there are a few little weird spots. but overall the tension seems pretty even. and they fit. the weird thing about today was they were calling for bad weather, and i had really gotten everything taken care of, so i didn't have much standing in the way of me and my olympic mitten...tomorrow and the rest of this week will be an entirely different story. tomorrow i have to do homework, at the very least. and i am going out of town this weekend. it is supposed to be a knitting weekend with my schmoo. but usually some wine is involved, and i don't know how that will work with following a pattern. or actually, i am positive how that will turn out. so with any luck, i could probably squeeze in casting on tomorrow. and then i'll have to take a break.

holy crap!

2006-02-10T07:12:00.000-05:00

you got it. today is the day. the day the olympics start. i hate to say it, but i have done no training, no prep aside from acquiring supplies. i'm not even sure when the ceremonies start. i did turn on the tv this morning and got my first glance of torino. it looks lovely. and cold. i also posted a button on my sidebar and here are teams i qualify for. there maybe more...i got my buttons from jen of jenla infamy. thanks!

let the games begin!

i did it!

2006-02-06T21:09:00.000-05:00

i finished my jaywalkers. aren't they purty? my second FO of 2006. i'm so proud. the only thing i don't really like about them is the ribbing up top. it's sort of bunchy. i think the picot would be much better.

now onto swatching for my pirate mittens. if you aren't paying attention, i'll point out i changed my mitten pattern after i received the kit from nordic fiber arts. there is no way i am smart enough to figure those instructions out. so i thought i would use the yarn and adrian's totally cute pattern. i have to search out my needles and surf around for some 2 color knitting tips. i wonder, is this what stranded knitting is?? must be.